A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to enjoy a Christmas reception for Sunday School students and staff downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship service.

Welcome and Announcements
*Hymn of Praise: #173 (verses 1 & 3) O Come All Ye Faithful
*God’s Greeting and Passing the Peace
We Gather Around the Advent Wreath
Pastor: Last Sunday we lit the candle of peace. We light it and the candle of hope again as we remember that Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, will come again to judge the world and bring it everlasting peace. (light the purple candles of hope, and peace.)
Clinton Family: The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
Congregation: Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace, and love grows joy.
Clinton Family: We light the candle of joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth. (light the pink candle of joy)
Congregation: - Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ.
Children’s Message
Song (All): A Candle is Burning (Tune: Away in a Manger)
A candle is burning, a candle of joy -
a candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.
Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow
as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.
Prayer (Unison)
Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

Sunday School Christmas Pageant: The Symbols of Christmas

Scripture Luke 1:46-49 and 2:12-15
*Song of Celebration #178 Mary’s Little Boy Child
A Donkey
Prayer 1. Lord, strengthen my spirit and set my pace so that I may be an effective instrument in bringing Your message to others. Amen.
The Christ Child
Prayer 2. Lord, the symbolism of Christmas is replete with many secular symbols, all of which point to You. You are the Beginning and the End, the Word made flesh. Help me, Lord, to imitate Your lowliness so that I can serve You well. Amen.
Shepherds
Prayer 3. Lord, help me to listen when others talk about what You've done in their lives. May I be open to seeing Your power at work in them. Amen.
*Song of Celebration #147 Away in a Manger
A Manger
Prayer 4. Lord, come into my heart. Take away my rough edges, my imperfections, my human preoccupation with myself. Grant me the grace to adore Your Presence in my soul. Amen.
Straw
Prayer 5. Lord, everything in life has a purpose, and sometimes an unexpected one. You put me here, Lord. Open my spiritual eyes so that I can understand that Your plan is at work in this unusual circumstance, even if I don't see how. Amen.
*Song of Celebration #164 Silent Night
The Wise Men
Prayer 6. Lord, You are always ready to guide me. But sometimes I don't want to go where You lead. Grant me the grace to trust in You and to follow. Amen.
Gifts
Payer 7. Lord, this Christmas I ask that you revive in me the Gifts of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wrapping Paper
Prayer 8. Lord, God, I praise You for coming to earth. Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift of all time. Amen.
*Song of Celebration #171 Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Offering/Offertory
Doxology and Offertory Prayer
Pastoral Prayer & Lord's Prayer
*Song of Celebration #151 Go Tell It on the Mountain
*Benediction and Blessing
*Response Hymn
Postlude

~ ANGEL TREE and CCRM MEN’S GIFT PROGRAMS~

Today is the deadline for presenting your donations to the Angel Tree and Capital City Rescue Mission Christmas gift programs. Many thanks to all who participated. Because of your generosity, many children will know the joy of receiving a gift from a parent who is in prison, and many homeless men will be able to keep warm and more comfortable this winter.

LESSONS AND CAROLSS

We are looking forward to a large and enthusiastic gathering for Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 3rd annual Celebration of Lessons and Carols, to be held at 4 p.m. TODAY, DECEMBER 16. The Celebration, which emphasizes the rich sung and spoken traditions of the season, derives from England in the late 19th century. It tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and instrumental and choir music. In its many modifications, the Celebration is presented throughout the world and in a diversity of denominations during the Christmas season. Please plan to attend this deeply meaningful and beautiful Worship Service.

~7 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE~

(PLEASE NOTE: Service begins at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as in previous years.)

As always, KRC’s Candlelight Worship is a highlight of the season of giving and a special time to express our joy, praise, and gratitude for the Gift of Jesus, Light of the World, from God the Father.

Please enjoy the benefit of the four display panels now installed on the side walls in the rear of the sanctuary. These beautiful works, featuring highlights of Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300-year history, will be a rich source of information to KRC visitors as well as to our church family, and they will serve as an excellent enhancement to KRC’s ongoing free guided tour program.

For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, new envelopes for 2013 will be ready for pick-up up in the back of the sanctuary before the end of the year. Boxes will be labeled in alphabetical order by last name. PLEASE USE YOUR NEW ENVELOPES BEGINNING SUNDAY, JANUARY 6.

IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS ON THE BACK TABLE AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, or are struggling in their faith or with other spiritual issues.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those administering them: Sunday School; Youth Group; church restoration; tricentennial events.
• small group ministries, adult Bible studies, Community Prayer Group.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander (visiting KRC NEXT SUNDAY), Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies..
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops and victims of warfare, terrorism, misunderstanding, and violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and the reassuring knowledge that he is in control.
• those, especially children, suffering natural disaster; the abuses of violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the death of Dorothy (Dimpie) Davidson. A graveside ceremony will be held for Dorothy in Kinderhook Cemetery on Friday, December 21, at 11 a.m, followed by a memorial reception for family and friends at KRC’s Fellowship Hall. Please also continue to remember Jane Smith, her son, David, and other family members and friends grieving the recent death of Ken Smith
• Frank Vosburgh, hospitalized for severe leg pain. Pray that doctors will quickly find the cause of Frank’s pain and an effective treatment. Pray also for strength for Barbara as she attends to Franks needs.
• Dawn Tuttle, recovering at home from diverticulitis.
• Gordie Van Buren, now at home following a brief hospitalization and not doing as well as had been hoped for. Please keep Gordie in your prayers as he struggles with serious health issues, and remember also Gordie's son, Mark, as he assists in and makes decisions regarding his father's health care.
• Leo Dolan, recovering from surgery this past Thursday to close a pouch in his throat that interfered with swallowing food safely. Pray for speedy and complete healing without complications for Leo, as a more invasive surgery than the one planned became necessary; pray also for reassurance for his wife, Dawn Van Buren, as she attends to Leo’s needs.
• 3½-year-old Ian, cousin of Maureen Mooney, recovering from recent and successful heart-repair surgery.
• Patrice Lyons' mother, Eleanor, in good spirits following a very successful surgery to repair a broken hip and broken upper femur bone. Pray also for Patrice and other family members assisting in Eleanor’s recovery.
• Sara Schubert, being treated for Lyme disease which has recently become active again.
• Bert Beach, recovering from recent surgery.
• Doris, dealing with multiple medical issues. Pray for healing and reassurance for Doris and wisdom for the doctors who are treating her.
• Timmy Alvarez, critically ill and now in New York City for treatment. Pray for a quick turn-around and a full recovery from this illness for Tim.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Bea Post; Fred Steeves; Laurie (Dunham) Maul; Ken and Marion P; Pat Moore; Paul Rogati; Sara Schubert; Pete McCardle; Ruth Edge; Blanche Rogers; Jack, grandfather of Patti Varga; Dave Ennis’s father; Florence Rivera; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those battling or recovering from cancer: Rosanne and Connie, friends of the Warrens; Betsey Klein; Don Berlin; Suzanne W; Jenny Kline; John Bosquet-Morra; Helen Drumm; Dick; Sal Alessi; Melissa M; Judy Iocco; Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Donna Scalera; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those traveling. especially those traveling over this holiday season
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: the Royce Family; Pastor Glenn Metzler battling a blood disorder and facing a bone marrow transplant; the Schuberts as they attempt to sell John’s mother’s home in Troy; Libby Little.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick and Heather LaTorre, recently married; new parents, Ben and Kathryn Hart (Baby Daniel Robert, born October 29); first-time parents, Tom and Jaime (Welcome) Eastman (Baby Evan Anthony Eastman, born Saturday, May 19); Terry Nawrot (twins, Baby Joshua and Baby Brian, born June 29.
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Josh Heimroth, recently deployed to Afghanistan - that they may know God’s presence and protection.Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• the good report that Rosemary Goetz, friend of the Wildermuths, is doing well in physical therapy following successful hip surgery, and has recovered sufficiently to travel to Florida in the upcoming days.
• the very good news that Paul Rogati, Carly Skow's son-in-law, is now home after 3 weeks in rehab and able to walk on his own. Praises also that bones that were broken have healed without surgery, and Paul is making progress toward full recovery.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• His blessings, especially at this Christmas season, of family, friends, and all the provisions for our basic life needs and much more.
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please forward this information, as well as praise and prayer requests, to krc@fairpoint.net or call Paul at 859-4158. If you are not already on our email prayer list, and would like to receive prayer and praise requests through email, please contact Paul to have your address added. If you do not have email, contact Jane Smith at 758-6442, and she will be happy to include you in the phone prayer chain.

KRC’s share of support is $6,546 this year for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF THIS YEAR’S CLASSIS ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above regular giving, their share of this support. Contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” To date, NEARLY $3,000 has been received to help defray this expense and MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED.

OFFICE, EMAIL, WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings are set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations, and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime,
please call 859-4158.

COMING EVENTS
Today, December 16
10:00 am Worship Service with Sunday School Christmas program
Sunday School Christmas celebration/Coffee Hour following Worship.
Please Note: Angel Tree & Capital City Rescue Mission gifts due TODAY.
Children’s Sunday School will be in recess
December 23 and 30. It will resume Sunday, January 6.
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes:
1st John study group meets in the classroom opposite the office.
Romans study group meets in the main floor conference room.
4:00 pm 3rd Annual Lessons and Carols
with organist David Smith, instrumentalists, and choir
Tues, December 18
7 – 8:30 pm KRC Youth Group meets
7:30 pm Catskill Glee Club concert, 1st Reformed Church, Catskill
Thur, December 20
9:00 am Small Group meets @ KRC - Joyce Meyer study
“Battlefield of the Mind”
10:00 am Community Prayer Group @ KRC
Sun, December 23
10:00 am Worship Service
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes:
1st John study group meets in the classroom opposite the office.
Romans study group meets in the main floor conference room.
Mon, December 24
7:00 pm Annual KRC Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
Sun, January 6
8:30 am Early Worship Service Begins
10:00 am Worship Service
11:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes:
1st John study group meets in the classroom opposite the office.
Romans study group meets in the main floor conference room.